Pulling into church, I wanted to duck in the back and sit down unnoticed, but instantly two friends greeting us with hugs. "Were you the one praying for me all week?" Sue said. "I had the best week in such a long time! Thank you!" Her long hug gave me a deep welcome.
The sanctuary was packed. No hiding this late entry as we whispered, "Sorry, but is this seat saved?" We'd missed the entire worship time, until a middle aged man came to the stage and gave a testimony about losing his dad in 1980, and what a strong example he'd been. That alone was a tear-jerker until he began to sing a song about his father, waiting to see Him again in glory. His teenaged daughter accompanied him beautifully on the violin. My husband and I were so moved, having recently said good-bye to his dear mom at 94. In my heart I thanked God for this comforting music.
That would have been enough. But next our Assistant Pastor delivered on terrific message on mentoring, illustrated with fun personal examples and in-depth Bible truth. Wow! At the end, as usual in our church, the altars were opened if anyone needed prayer or wanted to receive Christ. As an altar prayer minister, I walked to the front, waiting to see if anyone needed prayer. Within a minute or two, both altars were filled. People needed prayer for a host of issues, which is always a joy, but best of all four people came up front to receive Christ. There was a little nine year old girl, a man on crutches, and another couple standing weeping. What joy in the Kingdom of Heaven! How important was this day to God's purposes! It's humbling to realize God has use for me even when I feel "out of sorts." Maybe what matters most to God is just showing up and being willing to do His will.
